Inaugural Bighorn Sheep Festival

The Inaugural Big Horn Sheep Festival was held at the Garden of the Gods Visitor’s and Nature Center in Colorado Springs this past weekend.  The collaborative effort between the City of Colorado Springs , the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service was initially the brainchild of Jean Watson, Special Events Manager of Experience Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak.

Jean contacted John Koshak, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator and resident expert on the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Their combined efforts, along with numerous other city, state and federal employees made this event a rousing success.  Turn out was exceptional, even though the temperatures hovered around the mid-teens.  However, the sun was out and the excitement level was high. 

We arrived at the Visitor’s Center right on time as the festivities began promptly at 10am.  We were met by Melissa Walker with the Colorado Springs City Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services.  Melissa sat down with us and gave us a brief history of the Garden of the Gods, as well as “The Rampart Herd”, as the resident Big Horn Sheep are referred.  And what an interesting story it is!   

It seems Garden of the Gods was not the original destination intended for this small band of sheep.  As a matter of fact, the reintroduction of Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep to the area was literally by accident.  Back in 1946 the Division of Wildlife was transporting a small herd of sheep that were bound for Pikes Peak .  While en route, the truck broke down near Green Mountain Falls .   

Division employees became concerned about the safety of the animals, since the temperature inside the trailer began to heat up.  In an effort to help alleviate the conditions, the sheep were released on the side of the road, in the hope the sheep would head up the mountain to Pikes Peak on their own...  but the sheep had other plans.  Instead of moving toward the lofty Pikes Peak region, they began traveling a more northerly route toward what is now referred to as “The Scar”, an old mining quarry in the area of Queen’s Canyon. 

It is now believed the sheep were drawn to the area because it offered wide open vistas.  Rocky Mountain Sheep prefer this type of terrain because it allows them a certain level of defense from natural predators, such as the mountain lion.  In a more open mountainside, it would prove difficult for the mountain lion and other predators to ambush the sheep from cover. 

After meeting with Ms. Walker, we were then directed to the theater where Officer Trina Romero with the Division of Wildlife gave a very informative presentation on the Big Horn Sheep.  It was there that we learned the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, along with its cousin; the Desert Big Horn Sheep has a range that covers approximately 60% of the State of Colorado and numbers approximately 6000.   

The ram, or male, of the species is quite large and can weigh between 250-300lbs, while the ewe, or female, weighs approximately 110-150lbs.  Officer Romero related that, unlike mule deer and elk, Big Horn Sheep keep their horns year round.  The horns of the ram being larger and constantly being worn down or “broomed” by fighting and digging. 

The fighting she referred to normally occurs during the ‘rut’ or breeding season, which usually lasts from November to December.  This is the time you will most likely see the rams in their classic head-to-head combat… literally.  It’s been said the clash of horns between two full grown rams can be heard for miles around and that the battle can last as long as 24 hours. 

At present, the Rampart herd has approximately 75 sheep.  Now after 60 years that may not sound like much, but it must be taken into account that throughout the years, from time to time, a portion of the herd is captured and relocated; further propagating the species throughout the State.  Some have also been traded to other States for various other wildlife reintroduction programs such as quail and other upland game birds.  These and other monitoring programs by the Division of Wildlife help to ensure the herd is kept at healthy management levels that can be supported by the surrounding vegetation and water supply.  

After the presentation there was a brief question and answer period.  I was impressed by the questions asked by the audience as they related to the health and well-being of the species.  Many were informed and educated questions focusing on medications and supplements, which coincidently are quite similar and sometimes identical to those given to horses and domesticated livestock.  It was also pointed out that any food given to the herd was not given to necessarily “support” the herd, but rather as a means of introducing the needed medications while keeping the stress levels of human contact at a minimum. 

From the theater, we were then directed to the various exhibits on display throughout the Center, all of which were staffed by knowledgeable and friendly representatives from all three agencies.  We were also informed that a shuttle would be making half hour trips to a viewing area where there might be an opportunity to observe the Big Horn Sheep in their natural, undisturbed habitat.  This, of course, was entirely dependent upon the cooperation of the sheep.  As such, Big Horn Sheep are not known for following schedules or appointments… as evidenced by their very existence at Garden of the Gods. 

As planned, we departed on the shuttle on the half hour.  Upon boarding the bus, we were informed by the previous tour group that, in fact, the sheep were cooperating and that we would not be disappointed.  Upon arrival to the viewing area, we were warmly greeted by John Koshak with the Division of Wildlife.  The excitement in John’s voice was encouraging.  He had three spotting scopes set up in various positions and directed us to have a look for ourselves.  One by one we all had an opportunity to look through each scope at different members of the herd, the largest of which was a magnificent full curl Ram bedded on the side of the hill.  With the recent snows and the excellent spotting equipment provided by the staff, the scene was absolutely breathtaking! 

After leisurely viewing and photographing as much as we could, we then spent a little time talking with John.  John was very appreciative of the efforts of all of the agencies involved and expressed gratitude to all for making the Inaugural Big Horn Sheep Festival a tremendous success.  John also expressed the hope that this event could eventually become as large as the other wildlife festivals held throughout the state.  With the continued efforts of the agencies involved, I’m sure that is a goal that is well within reach.